Microsoft goes atomic – The world’s most valuable company just hired a nuclear development acceleration director to help drive its own AI revolution
Data centers are known to consume a staggering amount of energy, with approximately 1 to 1.5% of all global electricity consumption believed to be devoted to their operations.
Tech companies have largely focused on powering this through renewable and sustainable energy sources in an effort to boost their green credentials and tackle climate change. However, the increased demand for energy caused by the advent of new technologies such as AI makes this task difficult, as this field alone consumes about four times as much power as servers used for cloud applications.
Recognizing the future pressures on its data centers, Microsoft has taken the somewhat controversial step of appointing a director of Nuclear Development Acceleration.
Going nuclear
According to McKinseyThe power needs of US data centers are expected to increase from 17 gigawatts (GW) in 2022 to 35 GW in 2030. Electricity is not the only problem. GPUs used for AI have higher cooling needs than traditional servers, and Microsoft’s water use in data centers will increase by 34% by 2022. This figure is expected to rise as the tech giant continues to ramp up its investments in AI.
Stepping into this role is Erin Henderson, PhD, MBA, PMP, who brings a wealth of experience from her 13-year tenure at the Tennessee Valley Authority, where she served as General Manager of Transmission Projects.
Henderson will, among other things, devise a global strategy for small modular reactors and microreactors to power Microsoft’s data centers. Yes, that’s right, the company is really going nuclear.
Write on LinkedIn Commenting on her new role, Henderson said: “I am very pleased to share that I have joined Microsoft in a new role as Director of Nuclear Development Acceleration. Microsoft is leading the way in advocating for a clean and sustainable energy future. I look forward to it to contribute to the success of the data center R&D team.”
Data center dynamics recently reported that Microsoft spent six months working with Terra Praxis, a nonprofit that advocates transforming old coal-fired power plants into modern SMR homes.
Together, the two companies worked on a generative AI model to accelerate the lengthy and expensive nuclear regulatory and licensing process, a clear signpost toward Microsoft’s nuclear ambitions.